Midfielder fired up to make winning return to Leyton Orient on Boxing Day
Jimmy Smith knows more about Leyton Orient than a few of their own players.
He lives five minutes from the Matchroom Stadium, knows a lot of the O’s current squad and in two spells, one on loan, he made more than 150 appearances for the club between 2009-13.
But that will all be forgotten on Boxing Day when Jimmy goes into battle for Reds in a crucial SkyBet League One game.
“It’s funny, I only live about five minutes from the ground and it will take me longer to go to the hotel to meet the lads for pre-match than it would to get to the ground,” said Jimmy.
“I know a lot of the lads there. Dean Cox is one of my biggest mates and it’s a game I am looking forward to.
“But all I am worried about is getting three points. Both sides need them.”
Reds go into the game with no League win in eight while the O’s, who are under their fourth different manager after Russell Slade, who guided them to the play-off final last season before heading to Cardiff City, have lost their last four in all competitions.
Jimmy added: “The Italians have come in and there has been a big turnaround, but they have still got some very good players.
“We need to go there and impose ourselves. The players are all very frustrated that we are finding it difficult to do that from the start. It’s something we are conscious needs to improve quickly.”
You can watch Jimmy Smith looking ahead to the game on Reds Player, which is free to watch until December 30. To enjoy this and other exclusive content click here.
